Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said former party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak should distance himself from Umno if he was found guilty of graft charges levelled against him.

For now, Tajuddin said it is unfair for Najib to be treated as a liability to the party as the court has yet to decide on the case.

“If it is proven, I myself will tell him, ‘Tuan Haji, take a rest. Be quiet’,” Tajuddin said when met at the parliament lobby today.

Tajuddin also chided several Umno leaders who were seen attempting to oust Najib, who is also Pekan MP, from the party.

“Currently he is facing trial by the media and in the Dewan Rakyat. Are you just going to leave him in the lurch due to these allegations and perceptions?

“It is unfair to oust him now. If we cannot champion for justice for our former leader, how can we champion for justice for the people?

“We must have principles. There is no use to win the elections, if we win without principles. There is no use to win the people’s support, if we are without principles. That is a victory without dignity and blessings.”

Tajuddin was commenting on former tourism and culture minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz’s statement yesterday that his former boss should distance himself from Umno due to graft allegations in relation to SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

Earlier this month, Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa had openly labelled Najib as a baggage to the party.

Rembau lawmaker Khairy Jamaluddin today said he agreed with calls by several leaders for the former Umno president to distance himself from party affairs.

Tajuddin said party members should not discard their principles in their race for power.

“You want to remove Najib because you need support. So much so to the extent of killing your own friends and leaving your leaders behind.

“I am man of principles. It is better to win if I did it with integrity and credibility.”